Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia in a young man with hypoxia: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare lung disease, which usually affects older women. This disease is often asymptomatic. For patients who are symptomatic, symptoms usually include cough and dyspnea. In this paper, we reported a 38-year-old man who suffered from chest pain for 3 months. CT scan findings revealed scattered nodules that were less than 1 cm. Spirometry was normal and the arterial oxygen saturation at room air was 85. Open lung biopsy revealed DIPNECH. Patients with DIPNECH are mainly elderly women with symptoms including cough and dyspnea. However, we reported a young man with chest pain and hypoxia without dyspnea. DIPNECH can occur in male and female individuals at any age. (www.actabiomedica.it). © Mattioli 1885.